Unqualified Nursery Practitioner

Application Deadline: 31 December 2025

Department: Little Elms Shirley

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Little Elms Daycare Nursery Shirley Limited

Compensation: £25,397 / year

Description

The company is unable to sponsor employment of international workers in this role. You will be required to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK.




Are you looking to kickstart a rewarding career in childcare? We’re on the lookout for an enthusiastic Nursery Assistant to join our welcoming team at our beautiful Shirley nursery! No qualifications? No problem – bring your passion, and we’ll help with the rest!


Our nursery offers bright, spacious rooms and exceptional outdoor spaces – the perfect place to grow, learn and play!


✔️ 4 days with one day off (7:30am – 6:15pm)
✔️ 5 days with varied shift patterns

• A genuine interest in working with young children (0–5 years)
  
  
• Great team spirit and strong communication skills
  
  
• Willingness to use your initiative
  
  
• A natural passion for early years care and learning
  
  

• 💰 Excellent rates of pay – up to £25,397 per year
  
  
• 🎉 Service recognition rewards – get an extra day’s annual leave for each year you work with us (up to 5 extra days!)
  
  
• 🎓 Support to gain higher qualifications while you work
  
  
• 📈 Opportunities for internal promotion across our 11 nursery locations
  
  
• 👕 Free uniform
  
  
• ☕ Cheese toasties, fresh tea & coffee, and other tasty snacks
  
  
• 💬 Free access to our BUPA Employee Assistance Programme – for your wellbeing
  
  
• 👶 Generous childcare discount
  
  
• 🚆 Fantastic transport links – making your commute easy
  
  

• This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Certificate and satisfactory employment references
  
  
• You will be required to complete online safeguarding training
  
  
• Little Elms is an Equal Opportunities Employer
  
  
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
  
  
• Unfortunately, we cannot sponsor international applicants – you must have the right to work in the UK
  
  

📅 Job Type: Full-time, Permanent/Flexible working hours
💰 Salary: £23,795
🗓 Schedule: Monday to Friday – No weekends! | Includes paid holidays

Key Responsibilities

Support the Room Team in delivering high-quality care and engaging activities for children aged 0–5.


Assist with daily routines such as mealtimes, nappy changes, toileting, and sleep schedules, always promoting children’s independence.


Create a safe, clean, and stimulating environment, indoors and outdoors, where children feel secure, valued, and inspired to learn.


Engage in play-based learning, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and language development through fun, age-appropriate activities.


Build positive relationships with children, parents, and the wider nursery team, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.


Support children’s personal, social, and emotional development, modelling positive behaviour and reinforcing nursery values.


Observe and report children’s progress and wellbeing to the room leader or key person, contributing to planning and assessments.


Follow safeguarding, health & safety, and hygiene procedures at all times, ensuring children's welfare is the highest priority.


Be a proactive team member, showing initiative and a willingness to learn from more experienced practitioners.


Take part in training and development opportunities, including studying towards a childcare qualification if offered.